Use of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of navicular syndrome in the horse.
Abstract: Radiographic evaluation of navicular syndrome is problematic because of its inconsistent correlation with clinical signs. Scintigraphy often yields false positive and false negative results and diagnostic ultrasound is of limited value. Therefore, we assessed the use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in a horse with clinical and radiographic signs of navicular syndrome. Cadaver specimens were examined with spiral computed tomographic and high-field magnetic resonance scanners and images were correlated with pathologic findings. Radiographic changes consisted of bony remodeling, which included altered synovial fossae, increased medullary opacity, cyst formation and shape change. These osseous changes were more striking and more numerous on computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images. They were most clearly defined with computed tomography. Many osseous changes seen with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were not radiographically evident. Histologically confirmed soft tissue alterations of the deep digital flexor tendon, impar ligament and marrow were identified with magnetic resonance imaging, but not with conventional radiography. Because of their multiplanar capability and tomographic nature, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging surpass conventional radiography for navicular imaging, facilitating earlier, more accurate diagnosis. Current advances in imaging technology should make these imaging modalities available to equine practitioners in the future.
Publication Date: 2000-04-25 PubMed ID: 10779069DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2000.tb01463.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Case Reports
- Journal Article
- Anatomy
- Bones
- Cadaver
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Signs
- Clinical Study
- Computed Tomography
- Deep Digital Flexor Tendon
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Imaging Techniques
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Navicular Bone
- Radiology
- Soft Tissue
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
Summary
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The research paper discusses the benefits of using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over traditional radiography in diagnosing navicular syndrome in horses.
Problem with traditional methods
- The study presents the inadequacy of radiographic evaluation in diagnosing navicular syndrome due to inconsistent correlations between the clinical signs and the radiographic results.
- The article mentions the limitations of scintigraphy and diagnostic ultrasound. Specifically, scintigraphy often provides false positives and negatives, thus reducing its reliability. Diagnostic ultrasound, on the other hand, delivers limited value in evaluating this syndrome.
Role of CT and MRI
- The research presents the use of CT and MRI to examine a sample horse displaying clinical and radiographic signs of navicular syndrome.
- They further evaluated cadaver specimens using spiral CT and high-field MRI scanners to correlate the results of these imaging techniques with pathological findings.
Visualization of osseous changes
- The study found notable changes in the bones, including altered synovial fossae, increased medullary opacity, cyst formation, and shape change.
- These changes were most clearly defined using CT, and they were more striking and numerous than those revealed through traditional radiography.
Detection of soft tissue alterations
- The research reveals that MRI was able to identify soft-tissue changes that were confirmed histologically. These changes, involving the deep digital flexor tendon, impar ligament, and marrow, were not visible with conventional radiographic imaging.
Benefits of CT and MRI
- The multiplanar capability and tomographic nature of CT and MRI give them superior performance over conventional radiography for imaging the navicular in horses.
- The use of these technologies can lead to earlier, more accurate diagnoses of navicular syndrome. They are seen as future tools that equine practitioners can utilize.
Cite This Article
APA
Widmer WR, Buckwalter KA, Fessler JF, Hill MA, VanSickle DC, Ivancevich S.
(2000).
Use of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of navicular syndrome in the horse.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 41(2), 108-116.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.2000.tb01463.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cadaver
- Diagnostic Imaging / veterinary
- Foot Diseases / diagnosis
- Foot Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Foot Diseases / veterinary
- Hoof and Claw / diagnostic imaging
- Hoof and Claw / pathology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Male
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Syndrome
- Tarsal Bones / diagnostic imaging
- Tarsal Bones / pathology
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Zaha C, Schuszler L, Dascalu R, Nistor P, Florea T, Imre K, Rujescu C, Sicoe B, Igna C. Evaluation of Thermal Changes of the Sole Surface in Horses with Palmar Foot Pain: A Pilot Study.. Biology (Basel) 2023 Mar 10;12(3).
- Robinson KA, Manning ST. Efficacy of a single-formula acupuncture treatment for horses with palmar heel pain.. Can Vet J 2015 Dec;56(12):1257-60.
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